Cazorla names Zidane his toughest opponent

Arsenal star Santi Cazorla says Zinedine Zidane is the best player he has ever faced, ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Former Villarreal and Malaga midfielder Cazorla locked horns with Zidane several times in La Liga, and the 1998 World Cup winner made a lasting impression on the younger man.

“During your life you always have different players that you like. When I was a child, because my dad liked the (Barcelona) ‘Dream Team’, I liked Michael Laudrup,” Cazorla told EFE.

“But I have always said the best player I have played against, and the most elegant player, was Zidane. There’s Messi and Ronaldo, but I still think being lucky enough to play against Zidane, and see him play, was amazing. He is still the best.

“He looked like he was going to be clumsy because of his height, but then you realised he was so skilful and gifted with the ball. I really enjoyed watching him play, it was a pleasure. I would highlight everything about him, because he had everything to be the best player.”